Rugby Australia Clashes with French Clubs Over Poaching of Young Talent
Rugby Australia has issued a stern warning to French clubs against poaching young Australian rugby players, highlighting concerns over unauthorized approaches to junior talent. RA Chairman Daniel Herbert emphasized the need for discussions at the World Rugby level to address these practices, citing instances like the recruitment of 16-year-old Queenslander Visesio Kite by French club La Rochelle. Herbert stressed that while French clubs are actively engaging with local player agents, such practices are not common among other nations, prompting RA to seek intervention from World Rugby.
Key Points
Rugby Australia warns French clubs against poaching young Australian rugby players.
RA Chairman Daniel Herbert criticizes the unauthorized approaches by French clubs to junior talent.
The case of 16-year-old Visesio Kite, signed by French club La Rochelle, is highlighted as an example.
Herbert notes that French clubs work with local player agents, a practice not common among other countries.
RA plans to address the issue with World Rugby to clarify what is permissible in the recruitment of young players.
